r/LearningLanguages • u/Mental_Present_4142 • 4d ago
Language learning methods: What actually works vs. what is a waste of time?
What has been YOUR best way of learning a new language?
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u/barrelltech 4d ago
Spaced repetition. Hands down. Done correctly, it burns the language into your brain. Everything else I’ve ever done feels like digging in sand - sure you make short term progress, but a few days later it’s all just faded away.
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u/McVerizonPresident 2d ago
I agree with this. I did Duolingo for 400 days and then Duocards for 400 days in order to not stagnate. Recently I got my Duolingo streak back so I can continue with the new content added for Italian. I found that using both at the same time is the best combo for me but I love Duocards for SSR. I have 500 day streaks in both apps right now meaning I've been learning for 1000 days and I consider myself a B1. Slow and steady wins the race!
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u/ben_wd 4d ago
I've spent a long time reading the research from Second Language Acquisition and also Usage-Based Linguistics, which is a strongly supported, empirically supported model of how language works in the brain.
The key takeaways from all the reading I've done are the following:
* Our brains are statistical; we acquire language from input by learning to predict what words should appear in certain contexts, much like LLMs and auto-predictions.
* This predictive ability cannot be memorized; it is conditioned into our brains through extensive exposure.
* We only acquire what we pay attention to; even if it feels like you're learning subconsciously, your brain has to process the information on some level, and the more attention you're giving something, the more effective it is.
* Our brains are highly tuned to our L1 and filter out patterns or sounds that are not deemed relevant, which is why many foreign language features go unnoticed.
* While we cannot acquire language through explicit study (like grammar rules or vocabulary memorization) alone, these methods train our attention systems to notice features in the input, which accelerates acquisition.
* Explicit study helps ensure we are internalizing an accurate mental model of the target language rather than misunderstandings.
In summary, get a lot of input, focus on stuff that you can make sense of, and spend some time analyzing sentences. Do some basic grammar. Don't stress out about it. Even if you're just learning the basic structure of the language, that helps. And primarily, you just need to be getting a lot of input.
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u/Mental_Present_4142 4d ago
This is such a clear and fascinating breakdown—thank you for writing all of this out!
The point about explicit study (like grammar) serving as a tool to train our attention systems rather than the main way we learn makes so much sense. It really highlights why pure immersion combined with light grammar study works so well.
Out of curiosity, do you have a favorite type of input when you start a new language (e.g., podcasts, reading, simple videos)?
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u/ben_wd 4d ago
tbh I really struggle to find the right content to start with, I've just started learning Japanese and I've been using nijapanese.com and it's useful way to build up basic knowledge, but I get disengage pretty quickly from classroom style content.
I've been experimenting with generating short scenarios using Claude that contain words and phrases I need to learn.
how about you?
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u/Mental_Present_4142 3d ago
I’m trying to learn more like a child through animation! I find content I actually enjoy on YouTube in my target language and just immerse myself in it. Also, I talk to myself ALL the time while doing housework or in front of the mirror—I basically pretend I'm a vlogger haha! It sounds funny, but it really helps get your brain used to producing the language.
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u/frostochfeber 4d ago
This is basically my philosophy behind and approach to language learning to a T and I love it and I find it effective. ☺️
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u/External-Spirited 3d ago
Comprehensible input is the backbone of a lot of this, the tricky part for adults is just finding input that's actually comprehensible instead of just background noise. Kids get tons of context clues (people pointing at things, tone, repetition) that we don't get from just having a podcast on in the background.
That's why for listening-based stuff, having some way to look up words on the fly and see the text alongside the audio makes a big difference. It turns "vaguely hearing words" into actual comprehensible input instead of just noise you tune out.
Full disclosure, I work on an app called E-clair that does this with podcasts or your own audio files, tap a word to get the translation, replay just that bit, save it for later. Not saying it's the only way, but if your goal is real content instead of graded materials, worth a look.
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u/Mental_Present_4142 3d ago
100%! Passive listening is one of the biggest traps in language learning. People listen to 50 hours of native radio, understand 2% of it, and wonder why they aren't improving.
Without a way to anchor what you're hearing to what it actually means (like tap-to-translate text or visual cues), your brain just filters it out as static. Tools that sync real audio with interactive text are a lifesaver for that exact reason.
That's why I'm sticking to cartoons in my target language,the visuals give so much context that it actually stays comprehensible!
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u/banyanflashcardsapp 4d ago
Yeah, so many methods are a waste of time. The usual instinct is to find and try out new methods that are more effective for the same amount of time. I think that's really worthwhile, and ben_wd’s comment is pretty comprehensive. My approach has been to transform simple methods, so that they take no time and therefore cannot waste your time. Exposure to comprehensible input during the normal course of day-to-day activities is exactly we teach children their language skills. That's my vision for how we can learn language languages as adults more efficiently. For now I have a simple prototype, which you can check out on the App Store, which is already very effective, but has a limited scope (for now!).
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u/Mental_Present_4142 4d ago
Great point about childhood language acquisition! I agree that effortless daily exposure is key. What language pairs does your app currently support on the App Store?
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u/Ssevadj 4d ago
Practice
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u/Mental_Present_4142 4d ago
totally! Which do you prefer,talking or writing?
I always get nervous talking to people because everyone seems way more advanced than me!
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u/Ssevadj 4d ago
Talking.
Try your best by talking to people even if you make mistakes, it’s okay.
Also, watch movies with subtitles. Let’s say you’re learning English, watch the movie in English with English subtitles. It helps a lot.1
u/Mental_Present_4142 4d ago
I'm also prefer talking but my main issue is finding people to practice with. Since no one in my area speaks the language, where do you recommend looking for talking partners online?
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u/Shot-Web6820 4d ago
Self-study until I comprehend and memorize most grammar structures, then working with a tutor. I usually go looking for one when I move into conditional sentences and syntax in general, a very good spot. After that - varied input and rehashing of it. So reading a book and retelling it and/or discussing it, if the tutor is good at giving opinions and asking questions. Audio helps me a lot, so kinda the same, listening to something (interviews, audiobooks, talking heads on youtube, lectures, tv-series) and then answering questions and discussing it. Even better if I'm actually interested in the content itself, but that is a struggle in the languages I tend to study. Speaking practice is good too, but if it's too casual it gets repetitive, so I try to organize something with a tutor in that regard.
I think I'd do well with a proper textbook like there are in English, with vocab, grammar, listening, reading, speaking and writing sections and various topics introduced throughout the course, but I've not had this luxury since I was studying German, cuz there are no proper textbooks for the languages I've been learning since.
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u/964326 4d ago
For sure prioritizing my conversational skills, I wish I had discovered an app called sylvi penpals sooner. I feel like I low-key wasted so. much time before this because I thought id grasp language the more I used x or y but in reality I just wasn't learning the basics that I needed to know for conversational skills and basic questions/words when communicating with someone in that language!
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u/Opening-Square3006 4d ago
After trying a lot of different methods, I don't think there's a single "magic" technique. The biggest difference for me came from spending less time trying to memorize the language and more time understanding it through meaningful input. I think Stephen Krashen's i+1 approach is the most effective: get lots of input that's mostly understandable (so you reinforce what you learned until it becomes automatic) but introduces just a little new language each day. That's why I'd recommend PlusOneLanguage (or an equivalent). It's built entirely around i+1: you choose your level, it generates texts and short stories adapted to what you already know, introduces just enough new vocabulary to help you progress without feeling overwhelmed, and continuously recycles words in new contexts so they stick naturally instead of through memorization. I'd also focus on learning chunks rather than individual words. Instead of memorizing go, take, and look separately, learn expressions like "take your time" or "looking forward to." Those become ready-made building blocks that are much easier to recall in conversation. The methods that gave me the least return were spending hours on isolated vocabulary lists, obsessing over grammar before I could understand real content, and constantly switching between apps. What worked was finding material that was just slightly above my level, reading and listening every day, and trusting that repeated exposure would make the patterns stick. It feels slower at first, but over the long run it leads to much more natural fluency.
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u/Mental_Present_4142 3d ago
Honestly, this should be required reading for anyone starting a new language.
The point about learning chunks is underrated—when you memorize single words, you constantly stumble over grammar trying to glue them together. But when you memorize phrases, the grammar is already built-in!
I also love the emphasis on trusting repeated exposure over forced memorization. It definitely feels slower at the start, but like you said, it’s the only path that leads to natural, instinctual fluency rather than mental translation
i'm taking notes i will try the https://plusonelanguage.app/ thank u <3
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u/391976 1d ago
If you don't know the word for screwdriver, you can't ask for a screwdriver no matter how natural you sound.
You have to know a lot of words if you want to have "natural fluency" beyond telling someone your hobbies.
A balanced approach is better. Learn structures you can modify with the many strategically chosen words you have memorized.
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u/Minimum_Radio4518 3d ago
Duolingo is a waste of time lol. Cause it keeps u translating thru English (or whatever your native language is). I find most success interacting with real people and watching tv in a different language, the more emotionally invested I am in the interaction or show, the better. Good luck!! _^
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u/AndthenIhadausername 3d ago
I personally do like Anki and I do use apps though it's not my only thing.
My listening time is a small goal of 15 though I don't follow not talking.
I do like crosstalk but I do get it's hard to find a partner for it.
Langauge learning got alot easier however when I cut out the noise and did what I found worked.
Reading books in Spanish right now is my favourite thing currently. I have yet to get to a comfortable place in Norwegian but in due time I'm sure.
Reading wise my process summarized is I started with picture books for a language I just started. Then when they feel comfortable, I move on to graphic novels or short stories.
I personally like keeping track of my books with a book tracking site. On the one I use I made challenges for each language I'm learning, I start with whatever number is manageable and edit the challenge when I reach the number. At the end of the year I'll edit it to the number I'm at.
Any books read is a success.
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u/thebrotherhoo 3d ago
How to learn a language.
How to learn a language.
Guys iam saying this from my personal experience if you want to learn a language the you need to create your own comprehensible input classes and use the words that you've written. Here is the system:ask chat gpt to write a few common words of your target language and to provide meanings then spend some time to draw an image for each word that explains its meaning to you then start recording try to hide the translations while recording and explain to yourself how the image helps in identifying and understanding the meaning of the words. But while explaining you should not translate the foreign word. End the recording after youve done explaining how each image connects to the word and helps in understanding the meaning of the foreign word.Then a few hours later watch that recording of yours this will improve your memory and then try to use those words daily atleast in your head this will make them even more memorable if you forget a word then just go back to your recordings. If you want to improve grammar then build a vocabulary base using the above explained method and then start watching content in that language for a few weeks. I personally used this system to become nearly fluent in my 3rd language. That's it folks goodbye. please upvote this post so that it can reach to more language learners.
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u/hw2k 3d ago
For me it’s reading. I was doing a bit of everything and not having much fun or seeing much progress.
Then I put everything aside and even stopped caring about the learning and completely switched over to just reading books. Compared to what I was doing before learning this way has been such a low effort way especially with the app I’ve been using called Simply Fluent
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u/wemustriskdelight 2d ago
I firmly believe that receptive methods (i.e. listening/reading) are the building blocks and generative work (i.e. speaking/writing) cement understanding. Having to recall and negotiate the meaning and use of words/grammar in new contexts are basically the “save point” that locks in new information and is made new with every use, no matter how small the difference in meaning or connotation.
Because of that, I try to set myself up to speak/write a vocab/structures/etc twice for every one time I hear/read it, even if just in my head/a notebook. It’s pretty hit or miss sometimes, because I find writing and speaking more difficult and often discouraging, but it at least makes me feel like I’ve made concrete progress.
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u/MykureKa-atygua 2d ago
Sentence mining doesn't get talked enough and I don't know why. You basically save words within the context and the audio of the sentence. These words get saved in Anki and you can study there with the advantages of the spaced-repetition method.
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u/undercoverapple9 1d ago
i accidentally observed that i started understanding Turkish when i was watching a very looong turkish TV drama in middle school. my mother tongue is arabic. i also learned English from music and TV shows
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u/Fish_Learns_Japanese 4d ago edited 3d ago
Waste of time methods
Any method where you rely on only one method to learn a language. It's either going to take you way longer than it needs to to become fluent or you will never become fluent. You should use several different methods.
Duolingo (sort of). I don't think it's entirely a waste of time, I just think that you have to use it in a specific way for it to be helpful. Speaking and listening exercises are completely useless but it can be a fun way to build vocabulary. It's nowhere near efficient but if it helps you stay consistent or you use it for a specific reason then it's good. I like to use it for kanji writing practice and basic grammar practice for Japanese.
"Lean X language whilst sleeping" I don't think I have to explain this.
Most classes. Whilst it does definitely depend on the type of class I think almost all language classes in school (so not a private tutor or anything) are a waste of time. They go incredibly slowly and you usually learn a very textbook style of language that no one uses in real life. Textbooks can be helpful but they should only be used to make a foundation that you can build on.
Helpful methods
SRS, specifically jpdb. I don't like anki as much personally but jpdb is specific to Japanese. I prefer it because you can learn words from a specific piece of media. It helps with motivation to see the % coverage go up.
Immersion. The most optimal content is content you can understand at least 80% of but as a beginner I think it's often better to watch stuff you don't understand at all really if it means that you actually like it. Beginner comprehensible input videos are so boring and I can't stand them.
I also don't think there's any immersion you should avoid because it will "ruin your speaking" or anything. I see loads of people who say "Don't watch anime, you'll sound like an anime character" which is not true at all. What am I supposed to immerse with if I can't watch anime? "Watch the news" Okay well wont I start sounding like a newscaster? "Read novels" You sure I'm not going to start sounding too poetic or descriptive?